© M. Eisenberg 2010 Approach to Information Problem-Solving Introducing

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Survey of Valued Skills Problem Solving Information Use Speaking Independent Work Technology Group Work Writing Reading

© M. Eisenberg 2010 “To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.” American Library Association, 1989 Information Literacy

© M. Eisenberg 2010 A Widely Recognized Need

© M. Eisenberg Task Definition 2. Info Seeking Strategies 3. Location & Access 4. Use of Information 5. Synthesis 6. Evaluation The Big6 ™ Skills

© M. Eisenberg 2010

Big6 Examples Big6 Workshop Handbook p st grade – language arts – ABC book 7th grade – Leon – recycling 10th grade – probability

© M. Eisenberg 2010 The Big6 Example (p. 282): 7th Grade Social Studies Leon - Recycling project Short paper and oral presentation on the problems and solutions regarding recycling of one type of waste.

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Task Definition 1.1Define the problem 1.2 Identify the information needed

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Information Seeking Strategies 2.1 Determine all possible sources 2.2 Select the best sources

© M. Eisenberg 2010  easy to use  available  current  affordable  fun  on the topic (valid)  reliable/authoritative  accurate  precise  complete Lesson: Info Seeking Strategy Criteria

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Location & Access 3.1 Locate sources 3.2 Find information within sources

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Use of Information 4.1 Engage (read, hear, view) 4.2 Extract relevant, quality information

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Synthesis 5.1 Organize 5.2 Present

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Evaluation 6.1 Judge the result 6.2 Judge the process

© M. Eisenberg 2010 The Super 3 For the Very Young (preK – 1) The Super 3 Example: Making a picture of signs of Spring

© M. Eisenberg 2010 The Super 3 Beginning - Plan You are the main character in a story: Middle - Do End - Review

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Super 3 Lesson  book  computer  person  self Creating a “culture of citing” Use rubber stamps MM!

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Summary – The Big6 Approach Themes of the Big6

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Themes of the Big6 1.The Big6 process can be applied in all subjects, with students of all ages, and across all grade levels (K-20). The Big6 is not just for kids.

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Themes of the Big6 2. The Big6 is an adaptable and flexible; it can be applied to any information situation.

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Themes of the Big6 3. Technology skills take on meaning within the Big6 process.

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Technology - Out of Context Multimedia production (PowerPoint) ftp Programming Instant Messaging HTML Telnet Algorithms Video production Word processing Group discussion Use of operating systems Statistical analysis presentation Database management systems CAD/CAM Copy/paste Web page design Graphics Chat Web browsing Electronic indexes Web searching Online catalogs Electronic spreadsheets Upload/download Spell/grammar check Brainstorming software PDAs Inspiration Hyperstudio

© M. Eisenberg Word processing Group discussion Online catalogs Electronic indexes Web browsing Web searching Electronic spreadsheets Upload/download HTML Spell/grammar check Brainstorming software PDAs Video production Algorithms Instant Messaging Multimedia production (PowerPoint, Hyperstudio) ftp Chat Graphics Database management Inspiration Use of operating systems Web page design Copy/paste Statistical analysis presentation CAD/CAM Telnet Programming Better, But Still Out of Context

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Technology in Context TASK DEFINITION Students use , listservs, newsgroups, chat, videoconferencing, and other online communication methods to clarify assignments and brainstorm problems. Students may also use software to generate timelines, organizational charts, etc. to plan and organize complex problems INFO SEEKING STRATEGIES Students identify and assess computerized resources as they develop information seeking strategies toward their problem. LOCATION & ACCESS Students use online catalogs, searchable periodical indexes, electronic encyclopedias, Web search engines, and other online searching tools to locate useful information. USE OF INFORMATION Students connect to and access online or locally stored electronic information sources, view, download, and decompress files, and use copy-and-paste features to extract relevant information. SYNTHESIS Students organize and communicate their results using word processing, database management, spreadsheet and graphics software, and distribute their projects via , Web publishing, or other media. EVALUATION Students evaluate the impact of the technology they used, including its effectiveness and efficiency

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Themes of the Big6 4. Using the Big6 is not always a linear, step-by- step process.

© M. Eisenberg 2010 The Big6: Not Linear

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Themes of the Big6 5. The Big6 process is necessary and sufficient for solving problems and completing tasks.

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Themes of the Big6 7. The Big6 is an ideal approach for integrating information literacy learning with all subject area curricula at all grade levels.

© M. Eisenberg 2010 The key is… Context! Teaching and Learning the Big6

© M. Eisenberg 2010 #1 - the process  information problem solving - the Big6 #2 - technology in context  technology within the process #3 - curriculum  real needs in real situations  assignments: papers, reports, projects  units and lessons Context

© M. Eisenberg 2010

In Closing…

© M. Eisenberg 2010 The Big6 Essential skills. A model of the information problem- solving process. Simple…but not really. Widely applicable. Easy to implement. Powerful.

© M. Eisenberg 2010 Thanks for listening!

© M. Eisenberg 2010 All Big6 resources available from: